Gorlok Toolbox

Online courses at Webster University are entirely online with absolutely no time spent in the classroom or in person with an instructor. These classes require you to have regular access to a computer, a printer, the Internet, and a Webster University email account. In addition, you should have the ability to download and upload files.

Have a plan B. Have more than one reliable source to access the Internet so that you will know you can participate in your class even if your home computer is unavailable.

Online courses utilize external links to other Internet sites and downloadable course materials, including streaming audio and video. Be comfortable with navigating the web, sending and receiving email, and downloading and uploading attachments. The technology skills learned in an online course will often reflect skills that are necessary in the workplace. You can brush up on any of these skills by utilizing Lynda.com (see link below).

The basic software you will need for any class will be a suite of tools such as Microsoft Office which includes Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Any additional software will be identified by the instructor.

Attend the Introduction to Webster Online Webinar hosted by the Online Learning Center.

Take the WorldClassRoom Online Training Course. You will have access to it the week before graduate courses begin. Additional information will be sent to your Webster email account.

Set realistic and measurable academic goals. Goal-oriented students are more motivated and reward themselves after successful course completion.

Set a schedule and login to your course at different times each week to participate in course activities. Online courses do not have regular class meetings. Be self-disciplined and avoid procrastination.

Keep track of your progress by matching what you learn against the course objectives found in the syllabus.

Each week, log into your course multiple times and interact with the materials and people in your class. Read the assigned work and apply what you have read to the required discussions, papers, and other activities.

Stay on top of your coursework. Import your course calendar into your personal calendar to manage due dates for assignments. Designate times to work on school work several days per week; a schedule will help you stay on track.

Invest a minimum of 9 to 12 hours (Undergraduate), 12 to 15 hours (Graduate) per class each week to complete course activities.

Your course is taught in an asynchronous environment. You have the freedom to choose when you want to "attend" class and when you want to study. Specific guidelines regarding due dates and times for all assignments are at the discretion of your instructor.

Create a controlled, quiet environment, with a dedicated space to study and a place to keep your class materials close at hand.

Ask questions. When you do not understand something, reach out to your instructor early and often.

Links:

Communication with your instructor and classmates will be through WorldClassRoom. You should feel comfortable using tools such as messaging and discussion boards.

Be your own advocate. Reach out to your instructor. S/He is there to assist you with your work.

Courses utilize videos, presentations, discussions, and lectures to enhance the learning experience. You will also learn a lot from your fellow students in the class as they share their experiences about the topics being discussed.

An advantage of online learning is that you will have plenty of time to organize your thoughts prior to presenting them to your instructor and class. You can improve your communication skills by writing and rewriting articles you might want to post.

Read and write at a college level. Textbooks, articles, and journals written at a college level are the primary source of content in online classes. The bulk of work that is completed in an online course will be reading materials and discussions posted by your instructor and classmates. In addition, you will be creating and submitting responses to the discussion board postings as well as composing assignments.

Think critically about what you are reading and then express your opinions about the reading in all areas of the course.

Online instructors will provide a syllabus for each class. The syllabus will describe in detail course expectations. You should be able to follow the syllabus and course materials without much direction from the instructor. Instructors will actively facilitate your course and be available for consultation and guidance.

Follow assignment directions, pay attention to detail.

Apply course content to course activities. Integrate your own knowledge and experiences with course content and share those with other students and instructors.

Utilize the Webster Library. Not only do you have access to scholarly articles, you have access to librarians to assist you with research.

Links:

Online writing assistance is available to Webster University students. For more information, please visit our Online Writing Center.

You are not alone in taking online classes. Create relationships in your class by communicating with classmates. Many online students feel that they form stronger relationships with their online peers than they do in traditional classroom settings.

Utilize the Online Student Commons. This is an interactive environment that allows you to post questions and share ideas with all of Webster’s online students. It is also a great way to network.

Upload a picture and create a profile. Share a picture of yourself, a hobby, or a pet. Let other students and your instructors know a little about you.

Follow and interact with the OLC on Social Media. The Online Learning Center has multiple social media platforms. We love hearing from students.